When is it best to apply

[newlyweds2010 208]

My 90-day window to apply for naturalization opens on September 7, 2013. When is the best time to file? I understand that if you file too soon (still within the 90-day window), your file may be put on hold if you do not have 3 full years of LPR status at the time of the interview, and this causes delay. However, we will almost certainly move to a new home as of January 1, 2014, and I was hoping to conclude the whole process before then. Is it reasonable to expect to have the oath ceremony before December 31, 2013, if I file in early September? Thanks.

[Markieboy 104]

My 90-day window to apply for naturalization opens on September 7, 2013. When is the best time to file? I understand that if you file too soon (still within the 90-day window), your file may be put on hold if you do not have 3 full years of LPR status at the time of the interview, and this causes delay. However, we will almost certainly move to a new home as of January 1, 2014, and I was hoping to conclude the whole process before then. Is it reasonable to expect to have the oath ceremony before December 31, 2013, if I file in early September? Thanks.

IMHO, it is best to file as early as possible (like day 1 or 2 of 90-day window).

I'm pretty sure USCIS will schedule your interview after the permanent resident reaches the 3 year anniversary.

The current processing time for N-400 at San Francisco office is 5 months. This is only an estimate. Some are approved earlier...some later.

So, it is possible that oath ceremony can be completed before this year ends.

Hope this helps some. Good luck with your application!

[Autumnal 25]

As soon as you are eligible and have the funds. I don't see advantages in putting off the paperwork if you are ready to go. I wish I filed earlier.

Uscis won't likely process you before you are eligible. Also consider the sooner it is in, the application won't be affected by any changes in fees or immigration laws.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

My 90-day window to apply for naturalization opens on September 7, 2013. When is the best time to file? I understand that if you file too soon (still within the 90-day window), your file may be put on hold if you do not have 3 full years of LPR status at the time of the interview, and this causes delay. However, we will almost certainly move to a new home as of January 1, 2014, and I was hoping to conclude the whole process before then. Is it reasonable to expect to have the oath ceremony before December 31, 2013, if I file in early September? Thanks.

Well it is and isn't put on hold.

Check out the April filers thread. That's the one I'm in and we're at the "starting to get interviews scheduled" phase. I filed the day after my window opened. I have already done biometrics (start of May) and I'm waiting on my in-line notification or interview letter. So far no love.

On the other hand, people that filed AFTER their window opened are already in line or scheduled for interview.

You cannot take the Oath until after your 3 year anniversary. You CAN be interviewed before the anniversary but not take the Oath.

According to the stats, Des Moines (my local office) is taking 5 months until Oath. So had I waited until after my anniversary to file it wouldn't really have mattered... it's still going to take that long (most like) and I didn't have that extra waiting time after my window opened added on to my already 5 month wait.

For YOU though, you need to have lived at your current residence for at least 90 days before filing. If you wait to file until after you move you'll need to wait another 90 days. It's going to take at least 3 months to get approved (probably more) so just file when you have the money and it should be fine.

[DC85 113]

Well it is and isn't put on hold.

Check out the April filers thread. That's the one I'm in and we're at the "starting to get interviews scheduled" phase. I filed the day after my window opened. I have already done biometrics (start of May) and I'm waiting on my in-line notification or interview letter. So far no love.

On the other hand, people that filed AFTER their window opened are already in line or scheduled for interview.

You cannot take the Oath until after your 3 year anniversary. You CAN be interviewed before the anniversary but not take the Oath.

According to the stats, Des Moines (my local office) is taking 5 months until Oath. So had I waited until after my anniversary to file it wouldn't really have mattered... it's still going to take that long (most like) and I didn't have that extra waiting time after my window opened added on to my already 5 month wait.

For YOU though, you need to have lived at your current residence for at least 90 days before filing. If you wait to file until after you move you'll need to wait another 90 days. It's going to take at least 3 months to get approved (probably more) so just file when you have the money and it should be fine.

I think the part in red is not accurate.he needs to reside in the district or state in which he is applying for citizenship for the last three months

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I think the part in red is not accurate.he needs to reside in the district or state in which he is applying for citizenship for the last three months

I should have specified. OP see here: http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/PDFs/G-1151.pdf (page 1)

Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you claim residence.

So depending on where you move it may or may not be an issue.

[newlyweds2010 208]

I should have specified. OP see here: http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/PDFs/G-1151.pdf (page 1)

So depending on where you move it may or may not be an issue.

We will be moving approximately 20 miles from my current house, same state, different county. I assume that this would be fine because I would still be in the same state and same district (how do you check that?). Anyway, I will probably file before moving, so this will not be an issue. I guess that the 3-month residence requirement is at the time of filing, if you move afterwards it doesn't matter, right?

[Autumnal 25]

If you're still within the same state and so close, you should be fine. I'd be concerned if you were moving from San Francisco or Sacramento to San Diego, as both cities are likely to have their own district office.

Notify USCIS of the address change within 10 days (as you would whether you were filing or not) so it is on record, and if you are applying after your move, that goes on the form. You should be good if you file beforehand.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

My 90-day window to apply for naturalization opens on September 7, 2013. When is the best time to file? I understand that if you file too soon (still within the 90-day window), your file may be put on hold if you do not have 3 full years of LPR status at the time of the interview, and this causes delay. However, we will almost certainly move to a new home as of January 1, 2014, and I was hoping to conclude the whole process before then. Is it reasonable to expect to have the oath ceremony before December 31, 2013, if I file in early September? Thanks.

There is no rush. I think we filed for the wife's with less that 60 days before her third anniversary, and were the first or second in our peer group approved. I think Murphy's Law applies more here - the more relaxed you are about it - there really is no deadline to file - the sooner you get approved. On the other hand, if you create a sense of desperation about the whole thing, you will inevitably be delayed. You have your 10 year card in hand, no doubt, so unless you are in a hurry to serve on a jury (California will soon allow all legal residents to serve), no reason to file before you are ready.

Edited May 28, 2013 by The Patriot